Black Canyon Campground - Lower
01 reviewBlack Canyon Campground - Lower
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No detailed fee information is provided for this specific campground. "Recreation Use fees are the fees a visitor pays to camp, experience a day-use activity, reserve group facilities, join a guided tour, or purchase a permit."
Share this campground
Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Tucked away 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District Office, Black Canyon Campground - Lower offers an escape into pristine wilderness that few ever experience. This remote sanctuary rewards adventurous souls who navigate the rugged approach road with their high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Once you arrive, you'll discover a recently upgraded vault toilet facility and a enchanting meadow where a babbling stream provides the perfect soundtrack for your outdoor retreat. Adventure beckons right from your tent flap, with Trail #94 beginning at the rear of the campground, inviting you to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot.
Black Canyon Campground - Lower caters to campers seeking a remote and rugged experience. The campground is primarily accessible via a challenging dirt road and stream crossing.
Historical SignificanceHidden among the trees and meadows, remnants of a historic homestead whisper stories of the hardy pioneers who once called this remote canyon home. These weathered ruins serve as a poignant reminder of the area's rich past, when settlers carved out lives in this beautiful but challenging landscape. Today's visitors can explore these historic remains and imagine the determination required to establish a home in such splendid isolation.
Weather and SeasonsDuring the second week of monitoring, Black Canyon revealed its characteristic high-country climate personality. Days reach a comfortable 49.8°F while nights dip to a crisp 27.1°F, perfect for campfire gatherings and cozy sleeping bags. The area boasts remarkably clear skies 85% of the time, offering spectacular stargazing opportunities. While very light snow and gentle rain occasionally dust the landscape, the predominantly dry conditions and moderate breezes create ideal camping weather for those seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
ElevationNestled within the mountainous terrain of the national forest, Black Canyon Campground sits at an elevation that provides the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, though specific elevation data remains undocumented for this hidden gem.
Natural Features and SceneryBlack Canyon Campground immerses visitors in a landscape of dramatic contrasts where dense forest gives way to sun-drenched meadows and steep canyon walls frame distant vistas. The crown jewel of the area flows nearby - the East Fork of the Gila River, a waterway so spectacular it's being considered for Wild and Scenic designation. This meandering ribbon of water has carved a path through the wilderness over millennia, creating a corridor of life that supports diverse wildlife and offers endless opportunities for streamside exploration and contemplation.
Geological RegionSet within a remote corner of the national forest, Black Canyon showcases the raw geological beauty of the Southwest. The landscape tells an ancient story through its steep canyon walls, verdant meadows carved by time, and the persistent flow of the East Fork of the Gila River. This diverse terrain creates a natural playground where hikers can traverse everything from gentle streamside paths to challenging canyon routes, all while surrounded by the timeless beauty of weathered rock and pristine forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis is a remote campground with access challenges, including a steep stream crossing and the recommendation for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. No specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe specific dimensions or sizes of campsites are not described in the data.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of individual campsites is not explicitly mentioned, but the remote location and meadow setting may contribute to a feeling of seclusion.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping specifics are not provided in the data.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Walk-in Availability"The site is non-reservable and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis."
Cancellation Policy"Cancelling a reservation may incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations may result in forfeiting the first night's fees." There is no capacity for advance reservations for this campground.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Black Canyon Campground - Lower offers recreational opportunities closely tied to its natural setting. Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground, providing hiking access, and the nearby scenic stream is a notable feature.
Hiking
Trail #94 starts directly at the rear of the campground, offering hiking opportunities. Additionally, user reviews have noted the 'Wild and Scenic' nature of the East Fork of the Gila River, which provides excellent hiking terrain due to its steep canyon walls that make it hard to get lost.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the available data.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsStream crossing may pose risks; high-clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended. The remote location requires preparedness for emergencies.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative description or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near East Fork of the Gila River, with a stream that must be crossed to access the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe campground is located 30 miles from Wilderness Ranger District office. Take Hwy 35 to MM15 to FR150. Turn right & travel 26 miles over an improved dirt & rock road to Black Canyon Campground. Turn left and travel 0.5 miles, over a steep stream crossing to the Lower Campground.
The campground is accessible from FR 150, requiring approximately 0.5 miles of travel from the road and crossing a stream. "Please be advised - the district recommends high-clearance 4x4 vehicles on FR 150." Roads are described as improved dirt and rock roads.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Black Canyon Campground - Lower has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote beauty of the campground, as well as the clean and functional vault toilets and picnic tables. Some reviews emphasize the need for a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to access the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the cleanliness of the vault toilets ('the bathroom was clean, with TP and hand sanitizer') and the scenic, remote location ('a nice camping area with the hopefully...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints are noted in the user reviews, though the necessity of a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle to access the site could be a potential downside for some campers.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
A user recommends looking for points of interest such as a historic homestead ruin and a rectangular water trough en route to the campground. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are highly advised due to the...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The data does not provide detailed seasonal trends in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Black Canyon is a drive to get to (must take 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle) but the bathroom was clean, with TP and hand sanitizer, and the picnic tables had seen some years but were...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not provided in the data.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews address accessibility features specifically.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025